In this review, we will be comparing SUB10 and KUBE 8b, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Buchardt and KEF. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Buchardt SUB10 and KEF KUBE 8b first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Buchardt SUB10 and KEF KUBE 8b compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Buchardt SUB10and KEF KUBE 8b have a single woofer setup however the Buchardt SUB10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the KEF KUBE 8b features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
SUB10 has a frequency range of 20-300 Hz whereas KUBE 8b has a frequency range of 34-140 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 20Hz, the SUB10 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the KUBE 8b's min frequency of 34Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
Both Buchardt SUB10 and KEF KUBE 8b have Acoustic Suspension type cabinets. Acoustic Suspension aka Sealed type subwoofers have enclosures that are sealed hence no ports or holes exists on the cabinet. Sealed designs helps to provide more accurate and tight bass responses compared to ported designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Buchardt SUB10's and KEF KUBE 8b's external dimensions. Buchardt SUB10 has external dimensions of 490 x 320 x 160 mm ( 19.3 x 12.6 x 6.3 inch) whereas KEF KUBE 8b has external dimensions of 294.0 x 296.0 x 339.0mm ( 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch) .
KEF KUBE 8b is 24mm narrower and 196mm shorter than Buchardt SUB10 but it is also 179mm deeper.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Buchardt SUB10 is approximately 512.0cm2 / 79.4inch2 and base area of the KEF KUBE 8b is approximately 1003.4cm2 / 155.5inch2. The SUB10 requires 49% less surface area than the KUBE 8b which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Buchardt SUB10 weighs 14.00kg / 30.8lbs and the KEF KUBE 8b weighs 11.36kg / 25lbs. This makes the SUB10 23% heavier than the KUBE 8b.
Here is a comparison of how SUB10 and KUBE 8b's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
20 Hz
vs
34 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
300k Hz
vs
140k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
App-Based Control |
Yes
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
Base Surface Area |
512cm2 (320x160mm)
vs
1003cm2 (296x339mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Wireless Operation |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
Height |
294mm
vs
490mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
1300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Buchardt SUB10 |
KEF KUBE 8b |
Brand |
Buchardt |
KEF |
Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
Max Amplifier Output |
400 watts |
300 watts |
Frequency Response |
20-300 Hz |
34-140 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
400-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Watts Peak (Max) |
1200-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Not given |
Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-140 Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
490.0mm (19.3") |
294.0mm (11.6") |
Width |
320.0mm (12.6") |
296.0mm (11.7") |
Depth |
160.0mm (6.3") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
Weight |
14.00kg (30.8lbs) |
11.36kg (25lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
Finish |
MDF |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Black,White |
n/a |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 years on woofer and cabinet, 2 years on amp module |
2 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
2 Years |